Broncos Waive Courtney Jackson: What It Reveals About Wide Receiver Depth The Denver Broncos officially waived wide receiver Courtney Jackson as part of their 53-man roster cuts, a move that didn’t shock insiders but still says plenty about the team’s depth chart. Training camp is always full of storylines about underdogs, but Jackson’s exit clarifies what Sean Payton values in his receiver room heading into 2025. Jackson came to Denver as an undrafted free agent. He showed flashes during camp crisp routes, steady hands, and the kind of grit that gets noticed in preseason. But the NFL is unforgiving, especially at a position where every roster spot is contested by veterans and drafted talent. Jackson simply ran into a numbers game that no amount of effort could overcome. The Broncos have leaned into versatility at receiver. Courtland Sutton remains the anchor, and Marvin Mims Jr. is set for a bigger role in year two. Beyond them, Denver prioritized multipurpose players who can not only catch passes but contribute on special teams. This is where Jackson fell short. While his route-running was reliable, his lack of impact in coverage units made him expendable. Special teams often decides the fate of fringe roster players, and Payton has made it clear: if you are WR5 or WR6, you’d better be a core contributor on special teams. This is a carryover from his years in New Orleans and a philosophy that shows up again in Denver. The message is clear versatility or bust. Denver’s decision also reflects growing confidence in its young talent pipeline. The Broncos believe they have enough depth in the receiver room to weather injuries without having to hold onto players who don’t bring multi-phase value. That confidence is new. For years, Denver struggled to build beyond its top two receivers. Now the group feels deeper, if not star-studded. The practice squad remains an option for Jackson. His camp performance was strong enough to earn consideration if he clears waivers. Denver would benefit from keeping him close, but even then, practice squad spots are limited, and competition is fierce. For fans, Jackson’s release is a reminder that roster cuts aren’t always about talent they’re about fit. He may resurface elsewhere, perhaps in a system that values his specific skillset more. But in Denver, the receiver blueprint is set: Sutton, Mims, and a rotation of versatile depth players who can win snaps in multiple ways. The broader takeaway is that Denver’s offensive identity is taking shape. Payton is building a roster that maximizes efficiency and minimizes wasted spots. Every player has to contribute across the board. As the Broncos move into Week 1, their wide receiver room is defined less by who didn’t make it and more by the philosophy guiding the ones who did. Multipurpose depth, special teams value, and offensive flexibility are the traits Payton wants. He already made the toughest call with Vele as well, it's just business in the end.